Tim Burton To Direct Disney’s Live-Action Dumbo

Some would suggest that it’s Tim Burton’s fault we’ve been deluged in the last couple of years with live-action versions of fairytales, due to the billion dollar success of Alice In Wonderland. Now he’s heading back into that arena, as THR reports he’s due to direct Disney’s planned live-action Dumbo movie.

Ehren Kruger is writing the script, which is believed to expand the story of the original 1941 animated movie (that film is relatively simple and only 64 minutes long). Walt Disney Pictures president of production Sean Bailey suggests the film offers “a big world,” with THR adding that the movie “will add a unique family story that parallels Dumbo’s journey.”

Even with Burton on board, a live-action/CG mix Dumbo still seems like an odd idea, but if anyone can find a way to make it work it’s Burton, especially as his often gothic style has had a bit of a circus vibe.